Friday, December 30, 2011

Steve Nickodemski is a reader of Jake's Rolex World and he send in this image of Dylan McDermott sporting his stainless steel Rolex Submariner that he wears in his new show named American Horror Story, which is produced by the same producer who does Glee. If Dylan looks familiar to you, it is because he starred in hit TV show, The Practice.

Karl Laschnikoff is a daily reader of Jake's Rolex World and he sent in the three first images in this story of Soviet Communist Leader, Leonid Brezhnev and East German President, Erich Honecker. In this first image, we see Leonid Brezhnev sporting his yellow gold Rolex Datejust on a Jubilee Bracelet.

Spirit of Détente

In the next two images taken in July of 1979, we see Soviet Leader, Leonid Brezhnev kissing East German President, Erich Honecker, and if you look closely, you notice Erich Honecker sporting the same model of yellow gold Rolex Datejust that Soviet Leader, Leonid Brezhnev is wearing in the photo above. Maybe that is why they are kissing so passionately!?!

Why are these dudes kissing so passionately? They are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the German Democratic Republic in June of 1979. These comrades were showing their sign of socialist solidarity, which had become standard since the Khruschev era. In the photo below you can see that Erich Honecker's Rolex Datejust is yellow gold.

Soviet Communist Leader Leonid Brezhnev is pictured below with U.S. President Nixon

John Goldberger's 2012 Panerai Calendar is filled with amazingly rare vintage Panerai watches and I am adding them to this story so you can see them below without having to download the PDF. John Goldberger has authored many horological book including 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, and he also publishes the amazing Vintage Rolex HD app for the iPad.

As I mentioned in the introduction, John Goldberger is one of the worlds leading horological experts and he is sharing all the amazing Panerai images in this story with you, but there is ONE MORE THING...and this is absolutely MIND-BOGGLING!!! He also is allowing me to share the next three previously undocumented and unpublished documents that will forever change the course of Rolex and Panerai history!!! These first 3 historically significant Rolex invoices come from the collection of Francesco Ferretti.

If you are a vintage Rolex or Panerai enthusiast you are in for the surprise of a lifetime!!! Over the years, there has been a lot of speculation put forth about the origins of the Rolex-Panerai relationship. Specifically, nobody has ever been able to put together all the pieces of the puzzle so they fit perfectly–not until today.

Panerai Reference 2533

We begin with this first historical Rolex-Panerai document which is a paid Rolex invoice dated June 13th, 1936 for the sale of 19 Panerai Reference 2533 watches. Notice Panerai is misspelled at "PANERAJ."

Image appears courtesy of Francesco Ferretti Panerai Collection

The next two images below, show the front and back of the Panerai Reference 2533 along with the Rolex movement inside the opened case back. Over the years, people have speculated as to whether or not these Panerai Referece 2533 watches with the unusual dial were real.

They speculated they were not correct because the dial designs did not match any of the other Panerai classic 3, 6, 9, 12 dial design language, or the classic California Dial design language.

It turns out they are real and the Rolex invoice from June 13, 1936 (pictured above) confirms this fact. There are only 2 known examples of this early prototype and they are owned by Francesco Ferretti who is one of the most important vintage Panerai connoisseurs in the world. They are located in his museum located in his new showroom in Montecatini Terme, PT. This next image shows one of the first Rolex made Panerai Reference 2533 prototype models that is referenced in the invoice above.

1936 Panerai Reference 2533 47mm

First Prototype

This next image shows the backside of the Rolex made Panerai Reference 2533. The case back has been removed for this photo to expose the Rolex movement.

This next invoice is dated November 20th, 1937 and it illustrates a waterproof free service for 3 watches. Apparently the first Rolex made Panerai Reference 2533's had a lot of water-proofing challenges).

Image appears courtesy of Francesco Ferretti Panerai Collection

This next Rolex invoice is dated March 7, 1939 for the sale of 15 more Reference 2533 Panerai watches. The translation reads "Oyster steel special for divers, (dials supplied by the house PANERAJ), without leather bracelets, or boxes." So Rolex delivered the watches assembled, with Panerai dials on the watches, but without straps or boxes. Also on the invoice you notice Rolex misspelled PANERAI and instead typed "PANERAJ" twice.

Image appears courtesy of Francesco Ferretti Panerai Collection

This next historical image shows Italian Navy Captain, Mario Giorgini standing in front of Italian Dictator, Benito Mussolini who is standing next to the King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele III. The Panerai Reference 2533 on top of the photo comes from the family of the Italian Navy Captain, Mario Giorgini (pictured below). Note the original Panarai buckle (still attached to the watch) was made out of nickel-plated brass with chamfered edges.

1940 Panerai Reference 3646 47mm

Radiomir Panarai Dial

1942 Panerai Reference 3646 47mm

Blank Dial Designation

1942 Panerai Reference 3646 47mm

Blank California Dial

1943 Mare Nostrum Prototype Chronograph 52mm

Radiomir Panerai Mare Nostrum Dial

1954 Panerai Reference 6154 47mm

Small Egiziano with Radiomir Panerai Dial Designation

1955 Panerai Reference 6152-1 47mm

Radiomir Panerai Dial Designation

1955 Panerai Reference 6152-1 47mm

First Panerai with trademark Half-Moon Crown Guard

Radiomir Panerai Dial Designation

1955 Panerai Reference 6152-1 47mm

Marina Militare Dial Designation

1956 Panerai Reference 6152-1 47mm

Marina Militare Top Dial Designation

with

Luminor Panerai Lower Dial Designation

Second Hand Complication at 9 O'Clock

1956 Panerai Reference 2/56 60mm

Radiomir Panerai Dial Designation

8 Giorni Brevettato [8 Days Patented]

50 Examples Made for Egyptian Navy Commandos

1961 Panerai Reference 3646 47mm

Luminor Panerai Dial with Seconds Hand

1993 Panerai Reference 5218-201 44mm

Luminor Panerai Prototype with OP Logo

I sincerely hope you enjoyed part 5 of this story, and yes, as time permits, in the future, I plan to complete and Publish Part 6 of this fascinating story, so stay tuned...

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The Paul Newman Daytona with the Exotic Dial is as handsome as it gets, just like the man who became its namesake. The Paul Newman Daytona Storyis a piece of Rolex history I can never seem to get enough of!!!!

I decided to write this review of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster because the History of the Mercedes-Benz SL is fascinating and it is one of the most iconic automobiles ever made. Mercedes-Benz just celebrated the 60th anniversary of the flagship SL Roadster bodel by launching the 6th generation version with the advent of the all-new 2013 SL-Class Mercedes.

The SL is an extremely comfortable sports-car that has always been extremely elegant and timeless–ever since its introduction in 1952. The "S" in SL stands for "Sporty" and the "L" stands for "Light."

One of the interesting details you first notice on the all-new Mercedes-Benz SL is the distinctly unique face with eagle-eyed headlights. The headlight detail is truly fascinating, because on one hand they look like an eagle or falcon eyes, and at the same time they kind of look like an exotic woman's eye with King-Tut Art-Deco mascara makeup (Think Sofia Loren in the Late 1950s). In other words, the headlighst are really masculine and really feminine at the same time. They kind of remind me of the Philadelphia Eagles logo.

As I mentioned the Merceds-Benz SL Roadster is one of the most iconic and instantly-recognizable cars ever made–kind of like the Rolex Submariner. If you own a Rolex Submariner and you examine the round marker on the hour-hand, you will notice it is remarkably similar to the round Tri-star Mercedes-Benz trademark logo–which also happens to be the universal peace sign.

The new model is 2 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the outgoing model, yet it weighs several hundred pounds lighter. This weight loss is attributed to the fact the all-new SL is almost 90% aluminum, which results in a significantly lighter, and stiffer chassis.

The all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is sugar-coated with amazingly useful technological innovation. For instance, the all-new Hands-Free Access System allows the owner of the car to open and close the trunk by simply standing in front of the rear trunk, and waiving/gesturing/swiping their foot under the rear of the trunk area. This means if you approach the SL with bags of groceries, you can pop the rear trunk lid without having to grab your keys–just amazing!!!

One of the great features of the outgoing and incoming versions of the Mercedes-Benz SL is that it has a built-in reclining hard-top convertible which almost instantly transforms the SL from a hardtop coupe to a convertible roadster. In other words–as you can see in the videos below–you press a button, and the hard-top roof retracts itself and automagically stores itself in the trunk.

The Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster

The King Of Convertibles

International Mark Of Success

The Mercedes-Benz SL has arguably always been the King Of Convertibles, and if that fact was ever in dispute, the new SL is unequivocally the King, not just in form, but in function and largesse. The Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster has always been the International Mark Of Success, as is wearing a high-end Rolex.

It is just amazing how stylish and elegant the new SL model is!!! The more you study all the industrial design details, you notice that Mercedes designer left no stone unturned when it came to detail. This next images below is a good side profile shot that shows a special edition which is available with a really sporty red-and black interior. The new SL is busting out with everlasting style!!!

I should mention, many other automobile manufacturers have tried to copy the Mercedes SL with no success. Lexus tried with their SC430 and failed, as did Ford with their updated T-Bird and Cadillac also tried and failed. Even BMW tried with their Z9 convertible, but they also failed and gave up. Despite all the copycats, Mercedes-Benz has continuously succeeded with the timeless SL Roadster.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz SL features an amazing cockpit that has extremely low wind-noise, even at high speeds. Don't ask me how Mercedes pioneered this design feature, but I know from having driven the previous generation SL that when you are driving around–even on the highway–the cockpit remains silent. It basically sounds like you have the sunroof open. How Batmobile looking is that steering wheel!?!

The Mercedes-Benz SL also has a feature named "Air-Scarf" which places a heater vent just below the rear of your neck, so if you drive around with the top down, the Air-Scarf will keep you pleasantly warm–even when it is really cold outside. If you examine the image below, you see the Air-Scarf vent located at the bottom of the headrest.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz SL also offers heated and air-conditioned seats. Air conditioned seats keep you cool and dry on long trips, so when you arrive at your destination the back of your shirt is completely dry because you skin can breath. I believe the new SL also has built in massagers in the seats, for the ultimate in true luxury.

Through The Roof Technology

The Ultimate Convertible

I believe the all new Mercedes-Benz is the ultimate convertible made on earth today. While other manufactures like Ferrari and Porsche make really cool convertibles, there is simply no other convertible that comes close to the SL. Why? First of all, the all-new Mercedes SL is the second generation of Mercedes that offers a hard-top convertible, meaning–at the touch of a button–the hardtop automagically descends into the trunk. This feature give you the best of both worlds, so that when you have the top up, you have a much quitter cabin that feels and drives like a non-convertible coupe.

Also, the hardtop convertible can't wear out easily or show age like a canvas roof. It is also sturdier and more secure, not to mention, you can't get holes in the top from wear or a thief trying to cut through the top to gain access to the cabin.

Magic Sky Sunroof

The all-new Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster is a technological marvel and powerhouse of leading future technology. It is sugar-coated with unique features that are highly useful and powerful. In the three images we seethe Magic Sky Control Sunroof. This first image shows what the 2013 SL looks like from the top.

The SL will come in two different versions. One with the Magic Sky Sunroof which at the touch of a button instantly transforms the glass moonroof from opaque to transparent. The way it works is the roof of the convertible hard-top has a transparent moon-roof so if you are driving with the top up, you still get the feeling of being in a convertible with the top down. In this next image we see the driver with the Magic Sky Sunroof opaque, or in the dark state. The driver pushes a button and instantly the Magic Sky Sunroof becomes transparent as seen in the second image.

This stops the interior from feeling claustrophobic by flooding the cockpit with plenty of ambient daylight. Also, if you are cruising on a cold winter day, you can remain toasty in the cabin, while enjoying the feeling of being in a convertible–with the top up!!!

The second moonroof option is shown below, where you have a sliding valance panel that slides out to cover the transparent glass moonroof. Mercedes-Benz invented this technology, and they are the only company that offers these extremely innovative moonroof features. Being able to close the valance panel or make the transparent glass moonroof opaque also helps keep the cabin cool in summer time, if the car is parked in a sunny place.

Magic Vision Control

The all-new Mercedes-Benz SL has a super-innovative windshield wiper system named Magic Vision Control, which, instead of shooting water from the front hood deck, shoots warm water out of mini-jets built into the windshield-wipers as seen in the next two photos.

This stops excess water from overshooting and missing the windshield and it also stops the driver from being temporarily blind as traditional jets shoot out windshield washer solution. The Magic Vision Control System is programed to behave differently under different situations.

For instance in winter summer or depending on whether the cabriolet top is up or down, it will behave differently. The system automagically varies the amount of water output depending upon speed, ambient temperature, and current driving conditions which include ambient temperature.

Aluminum Construction

The all new Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster is significantly lighter and stiffer than its outgoing predecessor which it is replacing. This dramatic lightening results in more agile handling couple with better road feel for the driver. Approximately 89% of the new SL is made from aluminum which is either cast, extruded or sheet metal as illustrated in the image below.

This next photo shows the primarily aluminum structure which is just amazing. It is literally a work of art, in-and-of-itself.

FrontBass Music Delivery System

The all-new Mercedes-Benz SL will introduce the highly innovative all-new "FrontBass" music delivery system, which delivers amazing sound, even when the top of the SL is reclined. The FrontBass system strategically places the speakers in the firewall openings instead of in the traditional doors. This essentially makes the cabin a behave like a huge speaker.

Mercedes-Benz says of the FrontBase system: "The unique FrontBase system, turns the SL luxury sports car into a concert hall–with the top down or up."

Notice in the photo above, the two speaker holes located in the front footwell firewall. In the photo below you see the right FrontBass speaker placed strategically in the firewall. This permits the deep bass sounds to better resonate throughout the cabin by creating a resonating chamber for the woofers. In other words, it is turning the car structure into a big woofer.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster will be offered in some limited editions, including the version seen below with a matte black paint finish. The standard 500SL is also fast and does 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds. The all-new Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster will be making its official debut next month at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show.

If you are anything like me, you want to know everything about everything. Seeing photos is one thing, but video shows the coolness in motion. Here is a video showcase of the all-new Mercedes-Benz SL, which I am certain, is destined to be an instant classic:

...Evolution Of The Revolution...

Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster

1954 to 2013

As I mentioned earlier, I believe the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster is very similar to the Rolex Submariner in the way it has evolved. In other words, if the Rolex Submariner was car, it would be a Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster. Why? Mercedes-Benz introduced the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster in 1954 at the New York Auto Show, and Rolex introduced the Rolex Submariner in 1954 at the Basel Fair Show in Basel, Switzerland.

Icons Of Timeless Style

Also, both the Rolex Submariner and the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster have much more in common, including their distinctive signature silhouettes, which are always instantly recognizable from any distance.

The Submariner has always had a heft-tuetonic Germanic industrial design, as has the Mercedes SL Roadster. Look at the next photo below to see how similar the design language is between the all-new 2012 Submariner and the all-new Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster.

Another thing Rolex and Mercedes have in general is that they both became major status symbols in the early 1980s. In 1980, Ronald Reagan was elected President of the United States and timeless elegance was back in style. The seminal 1980 movie American Gigilo played a large role in popularizing the Mercedes-Benz 450SL Roadster because Richard Gere, drove one in the movie and the opening sequences of the movie played the iconic Blondie song Call Me, as Richard Gere drove around in his 450SL as seen in the video below.

Pictured below is an image which illustrates the evolution of the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster from its introduction in 1952, all the way up through the all-new 2013 SL Roadster. There really is something to be said for evolutionary design!!!

Mercedes introduced the 300SL Roadster in 1957 to replace the Gullwing. The design inspiration for the all new Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster was obviously the 1957-1963 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster (W198), and in the next image you can see them side-by-side.

This next image which was taken in Germany on February 20, 1958 shows the production line for the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, which is absolutely fascinating.

Here is a new Mercedes-Benz Magazine ad photo that features the all-new SL Roaster with the matte black paint job and it features top model Lara Stone. This ad should start running in international magazines soon.

This next photo shows a driver in the very sporty cockpit of the upcoming new 2013 Mercedes SL Roadster. It is amazing how outstanding and perfect the design is on the inside and outside of this instant classic!!!

The matte black Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster pictured in the two pictures above is classic for many reasons, and seeing it reminded me of this Dior Homme video, named Un Rendez Vous which starts Jude Law and was directed by Guy Ritchie. Guy Ritchie was married to Madonna. Notice Jude Law driving around the streets of Paris in a late 1950s Mercedes SL Roadster.

San Francisco, California

INSIDE ROLEX

Historically Rolex has always been extremely secretive and discreet, and no journalists in the past have ever been invited "INSIDE ROLEX" to explore and report on all four Rolex Manufacturing faclities in Switzerland.

In November 2013, this changed when Rolex invited Jake to take an unprecdented journey into the heart of Rolex to learn and report on everything he witnessed and learned.

This Super-Detailed 3 Part Story is a "MUST READ" story for anybody who wants to understand what really makes Rolex tick.

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